Life is so painful when you’re not feeling grounded. During these times of uncertainty, both socially and economically, feeling grounded can be difficult at best. So, what can you do to bring back the sense of peace in your life, and make yourself feel more balanced mentally and emotionally? How about focusing on whole foods that heal your body and mind? Some foods are naturally grounding and can help bring you back down to earth. The following seven foods can help you feel more grounded.
What does it mean to “not” feel grounded?
After months of social distancing and being stuck inside during times of little sunlight and low temps, we finally emerge to a world of masks, more social distancing, and uncertainty for the future. These are strange times we’re living in. For many people, this pandemic has taken its toll — making it hard to feel grounded. So, what exactly does it mean to “not” feel grounded? Some symptoms of not-feeling grounded might include:
- Not being at peace with yourself, feeling scattered
- Feeling out of sorts or out of sync
- Not feeling comfortable in your own skin
- Feeling sluggish and seeking out mind-numbing activities
- Feeling nervous, anxious and overwhelmed
- Lacking focus and being forgetful
- Being accident-prone
- Having a hard time concentrating, being foggy and generally feeling spaced out
- Feeling as if you’re floating through life with no real purpose
What does it mean to be grounded?
Being grounded is the ability to be fully aware and conscious during the present moment. When you’re grounded, you rarely think of “what ifs,” suggests Psychology Today. In addition:
- You feel centered, calm, at peace and detached from worry
- You understand your own truth and worth
- You feel in complete control of your mental and emotional self
- You’re not easily influenced by others or their ideas
- Life’s little problems roll off your shoulders
- You feel your best physically
- You’re focused and can concentrate fully
- You have the ability to make good decisions
What are grounding foods?
It’s easy to feel out of sync and overwhelmed these days. Especially when you’ve been gorging on processed foods during times of social isolation. So, how can you help yourself to feel more grounded? Well, beyond nourishing your soul by learning how to stay in the present moment, how about nourishing your gut with foods that help you feel more grounded?
Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world. And, grounding foods is an Ayurvedic belief that all foods offer exclusive energetic properties — which, in turn, affect our bodies in different ways. The following foods not only heal the mind and body, but also connect you with the earth.
Leafy greens
Let’s face it; a big part of not feeling grounded starts in your brain. For instance, you lack focus, can’t concentrate, and generally feel foggy. Whole, leafy greens like spinach, kale, collards, and broccoli are rich in nutrients that feed your brain and make you feel alive. Vitamins like lutein, folate, beta carotene, and vitamin K help to keep your mind sharp and alert, suggests research from Harvard Health.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds may be tiny, but they’re dense with grounding power. Your brain depends on the amino acid tryptophan to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter mainly responsible for helping you feel happy and content — two things that help you stay grounded. Pumpkin seeds can supply you with tryptophan, according to research from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Pumpkin seeds are also an abundant natural source of magnesium, according to studies — a mineral that is often absent in American diets. Magnesium is a mineral found in plants, animals, the earth, sea, and humans. It helps normalize neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system. Pumpkin seeds are a wonderful food for when you’re feeling fatigued and generally discouraged, depressed or sad. So, go ahead, add them to your kale salad and morning smoothie.
Eggs
Eggs are a symbol of life. They embody the idea of rebirth and rejuvenation — and they pack a perfect punch of protein. Eggs are a good source of several nutrients linked to brain health, according to research, including vitamins B6, B12, and folate. They also are a great source of choline, an important micronutrient that impacts mood and helps you feel less scattered. In addition, choline helps metabolize fats and protect your heart.
Carrots
How much more grounding can you get than carrots? Root vegetables like carrots have roots that extend deep into the earth, providing a strong foundation for growth. Beta-carotene, which gives carrots their orange color, converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for your eyes and age-related eyesight decline. It also has antioxidant properties and may help prevent cancer and other diseases.
Other grounding root vegetables…
All root vegetables are wonderful for grounding and stabilizing — particularly in the fall months — because they grow deep into the ground. Turnips, parsnips, rutabagas, onions, garlic, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are all great examples of root vegetables that can be cooked up in dishes throughout the cooler months.
Ginger
Ginger is a grounding root that helps fight chronic inflammation. When inflammation lingers too long, acute inflammation becomes chronic. Your body is basically under constant attack, suggests Harvard Health. Chronic inflammation, in turn, becomes the root of what ails you. Gingerol, the main bioactive compound in ginger, is responsible for most of its medicinal properties. According to research, gingerol has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Turmeric
Like ginger, turmeric also has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, is the reason why. Curcumin, however, is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. Consuming a little black pepper with it enhances curcumin absorption by 2,000 percent, thanks to piperine — the compound that gives pepper its bite.
Grounding Honey, Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Tea
Serves: One
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp freshly grated turmeric
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup (8 oz.) hot water
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients into a mug and stir well.
- Steep tea for 5 minutes. Enjoy!
During these uncertain times, understand this…As humans, we are all in this together. If you’re feeling out of sorts, a little uncomfortable in your own skin, and a bit reactive, likely your neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers are as well. So, sit back, take a deep breath, and savor the moment. Make a conscious decision to take your life back. Begin by changing your diet to include foods that not only heal your body and mind, but will, in turn, ground you.
-Katherine Marko
